Last Ride - Celebrating #88

We have good friends who had a son, Matt, whose dream was to be a champion professional quad racer. Matt was the 1999 national champion for 90 CC modified ATV’s and turned pro for the 2002 season. He just missed the top ten and was poised to be a force in 2003. In the opening race of the 2003 season on January 3, the ATV Winter Olympics in Gainesville, FL, Matt collided with another rider in mid-air - 20 feet above the ground. His quad landed on him, crushing his chest and killing him instantly. Matt Bartosek was 19. His funeral was the largest at which I have officiated, people came from all over the country. The church was packed - people stood in the bell tower, on the front steps, and listened over the loudspeaker in the nursery.
That summer his family began a memorial/celebration race in Matt's memory. This year marked the 10th and final celebration race. My family has attended many of these and I was present this year to help Matt's dad, Ed, cook for the big community meal for all of the racers and families. I took some time to shoot the practice runs last Saturday.
More information: ATVA Grand National Championships - Macon, GA Echeconnee Park

Photos taken primarily with my E-P3 and 100-300mm, also with the E-PL2, 20mm and 14mm.

Thank you for this post, Rev Bob. Both the story and the photos were captivating... I am moved that his family was able to rise above the accident and hold these races commemorating all that Matt had dreamed for and lived for, for 10 years. :')

Dear Bob sorry to hear that . Its very hard for parents of a young 19 year old boy to undergo such an emotional state but this is life and few things arent in our hands . Lets pray that his soul rests in peace.
Those shots are wonderful and who says MFT cant shoot action?
Cheers
Bhupnder